Wayne County Fair opens Monday in Palmyra

PALMYRA — The Wayne County Fair debuts Monday, Aug. 11, and those planning it are thrilled for both the new attractions and old favorites that will be making an appearance.

The fair’s theme this year is “All roads lead to the Wayne County Fair.” Laurie McFaul-Frey, this year’s new publicity chair, said she believed that this theme was a great indicator of the importance of the fair to the community.

McFaul-Frey said that the Wayne County Fair is an opportunity for community members to share their work that they have put a lot of time into over the past year.

“I mean, there’s just so much that I love about the fair …” she said. “There’s something for everyone at the fair, no matter what your interests.”

New this year will be a fairy garden contest. Those participating must create a live fairy garden in a 2-by-2 square box and submit it for judging. There will also be a new draft horse and pony show at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the grandstand.

In addition to these new attractions, the wine and cheese tasting from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday will expand to a wine, cheese and beer tasting this year. Wayne County Fair President Pam Ferranti said that for $10 participants can try different beers and wines from local vendors, along with cheeses from companies like Heluva Good and Wegmans.

Of course there will be the crowd favorites that return each year, including the many 4-H shows and projects on display for people to view. Ferranti said that these animal exhibits are some of her favorite parts of the fair.

“My favorite part is that it’s often a reunion with many people who we don’t see all year ... and watching the baby chicks hatch,” Ferranti said. “That’s probably the thing I get most excited for each year.”

Each evening from 5 to 10 p.m. there will also be live music. Some of the most anticipated this year according to McFaul-Frey and Ferrranti are Divided by Zero, a party rock cover band, and Nik and the Nice Guys, which Ferranti described as a “fun family party band.”

No matter what you’re interested in, those who work to put on the Wayne County Fair have tried to make sure there’s something for you there.

"It’s about bringing the community together,” said Ferranti. “We want to be able to emphasize having something for everyone. It’s really about being able to bring together the community and celebrate Wayne County’s finest.”